Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury
Seven years ago this month, Kirkland & Ellis opened its first Texas office in Houston with a handful of lawyers. Today, the world’s largest law firm by revenues now has 290 lawyers operating in Texas and that number is about to grow. In fact, Kirkland has more offices in Texas than any other state.
The new measure has been enthusiastically received, according to the firm's human resources manager.
More than a dozen years ago, Kimberly Phillips, now GC of litigation at Shell Oil, told Dawn Estes she needed to create her own legal practice. Today, Estes Thorne & Carr is one of the largest women-owned corporate law firms in Texas. How did Estes build such a successful firm in a male-dominated legal world? The Texas Lawbook has the story. “I don't know when Dawn sleeps,” Golds Gym GC Shelby Angel said. “She's extremely responsive and attentive to client needs.”
Dallas-headquartered Thompson & Knight and Holland & Knight of Miami are in final negotiations to merge. If the combination is approved, the firm will boast more than 1,600 lawyers and annual revenues in excess of $1.25 billion.
“This proposed combination would expand significantly each firm’s presence in important geographic markets,” Thompson & Knight managing partner Mark Sloan said in a written statement to The Texas Lawbook.
The Texas Lawbook has learned the merger should be finalized this summer.
Houston-based Baker Botts announced Friday morning that it is the latest in a string of corporate law firms to give associates a special bonus ranging from $12,000 to $64,000.
Dallas-based litigation firm McKool Smith and global legal giant Norton Rose Fulbright have joined an extended list of corporate law firms operating in Texas to pay its associates and counsel five-digit special bonuses. For senior associates, this will push their 2021 compensation above $500,000. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
A Houston bankruptcy lawyer has sued his former employer, Polsinelli, alleging that he was fired because he’s gay. The plaintiff is being represented by Bill Brewer III and Bill Brewer IV.
Vinson & Elkins announced Wednesday that it is giving its associates and counsel “special bonuses” ranging from $12,000 for the firm’s newest associates to $64,000 for its most senior associates and counsel. Akin Gump announced similar bonuses Tuesday.
Three hundred ninety-two days ago, four women partners opened the Dallas office of St. Louis-based Thompson Coburn. The date was March 2. The lawyers had big kickoff plans, including a big office opening party. Two weeks later, a once-a-century pandemic hit. Courthouses were shutdown. Restaurants shuttered. Air travel nearly ceased. No lunches or dinners or parties. Nicole Williams and her team shifted their strategy. What did they do and how did they do it? A Texas Lawbook Q&A has the details.
New Polsinelli shareholder Jason Weber and Haven Diagnostics medical director Dr. Michael Gao look at the most recent scientific news and the impact of the approved vaccines and share their thinking about various practical and legal considerations that employers need to weigh when devising and implementing their office reopening plans.
Kirkland & Ellis, the world’s most profitable law firm, is expanding its footprint in Texas again. Since it opened its first office in Houston seven years ago, Kirkland has been the fastest growing corporate legal operation in Texas. Now, the Chicago-founded law firm is tripling down on its bet on the Lone Star State with plans to open in Austin.
As Polsinelli nears its 10-year anniversary in Dallas, The Texas Lawbook caught up with Dallas office managing partner Brian Bullard to reflect on his first year leading the office in what was a truly historic and turbulent first 12 months.
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